By GEORGINA MICHAEL
THE Department of Education has farewelled 137 top-performing students from Papua New Guinea’s National Schools of Excellence who will pursue overseas studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) under the 2025 STEM Scholarship Program.
The students, selected on merit, make up the fourth cohort to be sent abroad under the program. Of the 137 students, 43 will study in India, 36 in Malaysia, 30 in the United States and 28 in China.
The students will pursue studies in high-demand fields including Medicine, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Biochemistry.
The farewell program was witnessed by Minister for Education Hon. Francis Kikin Siune, Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, US Embassy, Indian High Commission, school principals, sponsors including Kumul Consolidated Holdings, as well as parents and students.
Education Secretary Dr. Kombra emphasized the importance of these fields and the role the students will play in growing PNG’s human capital.
“We are seeing an increase in students entering fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, software engineering, cyber security, computer science, and biochemistry. These are industries that will shape the global economy over the coming decades, and we will not be left behind when these students return to help us grow our human capital,” Dr. Kombra said.
In his keynote remarks, Minister Siune highlighted the importance of sending students abroad to gain exposure and bring back valuable skills and knowledge.
“When our students go overseas, it is not just to attend classes. You are going to gain a lifestyle, knowledge, and skills that will benefit this country. You are going to be the ones who build this country,” Minister Siune said.
He said this generation has the potential to make a difference and drive the country forward in the next 50 years.
“From a political, social, and economic perspective, investing in our top minds is an instrument for industrial development and economic independence. We are sending our bright youth to world-class institutions with the expectation that they will return and lead PNG’s own development,” he said.
Minister Siune said the government is deliberately investing in top talent to achieve three key outcomes:
- Economic growth – through stimulating the economy, fostering local innovation, and developing high-value industries;
- National security – through greater self-reliance in energy, technology, and critical infrastructure; and
- Political legacy – by empowering Papua New Guinean youth to build a richer and more modernized nation.
In closing, the Minister encouraged the students to remain disciplined in their studies and to respect the laws and cultures of their host countries.
Mr. Siune also acknowledged the partner countries, sponsors, schools, and families for their support in making the program a success. He congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to use the knowledge and skills they have gained to contribute meaningfully to the development of Papua New Guinea.